ζηλωτής (zēlōtēs)
zēlōtēs
Zealot
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun zēlōtēs identifies a person characterized by intense zeal or jealousy, particularly in defense of a cause. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, serving as a title for Simon, one of the twelve apostles (Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13). The term derives from the same root as the verb for being zealous, conveying a sense of burning passion or fervent devotion rather than mere enthusiasm.
While the word can describe general religious fervor, its specific application to Simon links him to the Jewish political movement known for its militant opposition to Roman rule. This background highlights the diverse perspectives within Jesus’ inner circle, contrasting sharply with Matthew, a former tax collector. The title suggests that Simon’s commitment was marked by a vehement desire to uphold Jewish identity and autonomy against foreign domination.
Translators typically retain "Zealot" as a proper surname for Simon, preserving the historical weight of the label. This usage underscores that the early Christian community included individuals from deeply polarized factions, united not by political alignment but by their following of Jesus. The term thus serves as a historical marker of the social tensions present in first-century Judea.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read that Simon was called "the Zealot," we encounter a figure defined by intense passion. This title does not merely describe enthusiasm; it signals a life committed to a cause with unwavering fervor. In the first century, this label carried political weight, marking Simon as someone who fiercely defended Jewish identity against Roman rule.
What makes this detail so striking is its placement within Jesus’ inner circle. By choosing Simon, Jesus gathered a man known for militant opposition into a group that included Matthew, a tax collector who collaborated with those same Romans. This pairing reveals a profound truth about the Gospel: it transcends social and political divides. The early Christian community was not built on shared political agendas but on a shared devotion to Christ.
This history invites us to reflect on how faith can unite unlikely partners. When we follow Jesus, our previous labels and affiliations do not define us; our relationship with Him does. It is a powerful reminder that grace has the power to bridge even the deepest cultural divides, creating unity where none seemed possible.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Zealot2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ζηλωτὴς1×
- ζηλωτὴν1×
Key Verses
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Luke 6:15
Matthew; Thomas; James the son of Alphaeus; Simon who was called the Zealot;
This verse introduces Simon with the title "the Zealot" while listing the twelve apostles, establishing his identity as a man of intense political and religious fervor before he is fully developed in the narrative.
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Acts 1:13
When they had come in, they went up into the upper room where they were staying, that is Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James.
Here Simon appears among those gathered in the upper room, showing that despite his background as a revolutionary zealot, he was now united with former enemies like Matthew in waiting for the Spirit.